Moving-picture baseball scoreboard



Sept. 9 1924.

G. s. COLEMAN MOVING PICTURE BASEBALL SCOREBOARD Filed Oak. 2?,

1923 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Sept. 1924. 1,507,583

G. S. COLEMAN MOVING PICTURE BASEBALL SCOREBOARD Filed Oct. 27, 1922 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Sept. 9 1924. 1,507,583

G. s. COLEMAN MOVING PICTURE BASEBALL SCOREBOARD Filed Oct. 27, 1922 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 Patented Sept. 9, 19 24. s

PATENT OFFICE.

GEORGE S. COLEMAN, OF NEW YORK, N. Y.

MOVING-Herons BASEBALL scomoann.

Application filed October 21, 1922. Serial m5. 591,3.

- Picture Baseball Scoreboards, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to an apparatus for reproducing baseball games by which the various plays made in an actual game may be shown as they occur.

The present invention has for a general object to provide an improved apparatus of the type set forth. I

A further object is to provide a novel and- .improved type of projection apparatus whereby pictures representing the players executing the plays, or executing any-acts incidental to theplaying of the game or the actions of others such as umpires and coaches, also the flight of the ball as it is thrown or batted, may be shown on a board, screen, or other surface marked off to represent a base-ball field.

A further object relates to the provision of means for projecting the representation of the ball in a manner to keep a proper focus as the ball is indicated on different parts of the playing field which may vary in distance from the point of projection. Also to provide for maintaining the representation of the ball at the proper size as it is moved over the playing field.

Still another object relates to the provision of a novel and simple form of switchboard for controlling the current to the projection lamps.

For further comprehension of the inven-' tion, and of the objects and advantages thereof, reference will be had to the following description and accompanying drawings, and to the appended claims in which the various novel features of the invention are more particularly set forth.

Fig. 1 of the drawings is a diagrammatic side view of the complete apparatus.

Fig. 2 is a face view showing the arrangement of the projectors on theirsupporting frame.

Fig. 3 is a face view of the board representing the playing field, and on which'the pictures are projected.

Fig. 4-. is a detail side view ofone of the projectors, showing its support in transverse cross section.

Fig. 5 is a detail plan view of the bracket or base of the projector.

Fig. 61s a vertical section through the housing of the ball projecting apparatus,-

illustrating the latter in detail, this view bein taken along the line 66 of Fig. 7.

1g. 7 is a side view .of the same parts at right angles to Fig. 6.

Fig. 8 is an enlar ed detail sectional view illustrating particu arly the iris ad'usting means, this new being taken along e line 88 of Fig. 6.

Fi 9 is a horizontal section taken along the line 9-9 of Fig. 7.

Fig. 10 is a face view of the switchboard for controlling the lamps.

Fig. 11 is a bottom edge view thereof.

Fig. 12 is an enlarged fragmentary horizontal section on the line 12-12 of Fig. 10.

As here embodied my improved apparatus comprises, briefly, aboard, or screen, marked to represent the playing field or diamond and on which the pictures or representations are projected; a projector frame supporting a multiplicity of projection devices for showing the movements of those taking part in the game; an angularly adjustable projector for indicating the flight of the ball, and a switchboard for controlling the illumination of the projector lamps.

The board representing the playing field is indicated at 10 (Figs. 1 and 3) andmay be of rectangular sha e as shown, the positions of the various p ayers being indicated by marks 11.

The projection frame is indicated generally at 14 in Fig. 1 and may be made u of a number of suitably arranged angle ars 15 forming supports for the projection devices. The board 10 and frame 14 are arranged in vertical position facing one another as shown in Fig. 1, being supported 'in any suitable manner. The angle bars 15 of the frame 14 are preferably arranged in the manner indicated in Fig. 2, extending gener lly speaking, along lines a proximating the paths traveled by the ayers during the game, such as in wa ing to and from the bench or dugout and the home plate; traveling around the bases, or fielding batted balls.

These bars 15 support a multiplicity of projectors which are arranged to direct individual pictures upon the proper parts of the b ard, the pictures being shown in such running.

and showing in proper sequence the difien ent positions of the limbs assumed while shown chasing a batted ba 1. Likewise, by directing a succession of pictures on the one spot, a man can be shown 1n the act of pitching, umpiring or coaching, or catching the ball, it being possible to show in complete detail the actions of all'those taking part in the game, the above noted instances being given for purposes of illustration.

The pro ectors are adapted to be mounted in closely spaced relation along these bars. These projection devices are indicated in de tail in Figs. 4 and 5 and comprise the base brackets 18 which are riveted or otherwise secured on the bars 15 and are formed with rearwardly projecting feet 18' adapted to support a lamphouse 19 in which is a lamp 20 having behind it the usual reflector 21., Located in front of the lamp 20'is a projector element comprising a tubular member 22 containing front and rear lenses and a picture plate 23. Since the manner of constructing these devices is well known a detail illustration thereof is not deemed necessary.

The member 22 is preferably attached to the bracket 18, the latter having upwardly projecting studs 25 and 26, upon whichthe member rests, a single stud 25, curved to lit the circular surface of the member 22, -bein provided, while a pair of transversely spaced studs 26 are provided. A wire 22 engages over the member 22 to hold it on the brackpt 18, the ends of the wire being secured to the bracket. Y

The projection devices just described are used for showing the representation of the players on the board, While for indicating the flight of the ball I employ the device illustrated in detail in Figs. 6, 7 and 8.

This device as here embodied comprises a box 30 which may be mounted on a suitable support. such as the table 31, just behind the frame 14. This box 30 is here shown as divided by a horizontal partition 32 into upper and lower compartments 33 and 34. In the upper compartment the projection means proper is located, while the lower compart -ment contains the control means therefor,

the front of the box being open to accommodate the projection means, while the lower compartment is open at the adjacent side for the introduction of the operators hand.

Within the box 30 a vertical shaft 35 is mounted, this shaft extending from a point adjacent the bottom of the box up through the partition 32. The shaft 35 is mounted between its ends in a unit ersal joint 36 of In the same wa a man can be 35 .ricallye opposed vertical arms.

mouse the ball type so as to permit both of rotary movement andof swingin movement in-an direction to positions ot er than vertica The universal joint 36 is here shown asfixed on an arm 37 secured to the back of box 30, whilethe partition 32 is provided with a suitable aperture to accommodate the shaft Upon the upper .end of shaft 35 is mounted a tubular pro'ection element 40 provided with a downwar ofi'set 41. at its rear end to support the lamp 42. behind which is a reflector 43. The projector is provided with front and rear lenses 44 and 45. The former 1 of '1' increasing in size as the projector is swung at an oblique angle to the board to indicate the ball as traveling to different parts thereof, I have provided a means which automatically opens or contracts the iris 48 as the projector is swung on its support 36 to diiferent angles with respect-to the board 10. Also, 'to maintain the proper focus of the lenses 44 and 45 as the distance between the projector and the point of the board on which the beam of light strikes varies the tube 46 is provided with an adjusting means having an operative connection with the means for operating the iris 48 so as to be adjusted automatically in unison with the latter.

To obtain the above noted adjustment of the iris 48 the operating element thereof is provided with four radially projecting arms 50 comprising a pair of diametrically opposed horizontal arms and a pair of diamet- Each of these arms 50 has a pin 51 fixed to its outer end, these pins engaging in longitudinal 7 slots 52 in the ends of abutment'links 53, these links being connectedat their opposite ends, by universal joints 54 which may be of the gimbal type, to the walls of the top compartment 33"of the box 30, each link extending at'right angles to the arm iris with which it engages. When the projector is positioned at right angles to the board 10 the pins 51 are each at one end of their re-- spective slots, being held in this position by a tension spring 55 ,connected to one of the iris arms 50, and it will be apparent that nov matter in what direction the projector may be swung one of the arms 50 will move the on the proiris by reason of the engagement of the pin thereon with the end of the slot into which itrojects.

l or ad'usting the lens 44 as the pro ector swin t e tube 46 carrying the lens has a spira groove 58 formed in its periphery and engaged by a pin 59 carried by the tube 40, so that a rotation of said tube 46 will cause it to move axially. Upon the outer end of said tube 46 a gear 60 is fixed and engages an elongated gear 61 fixed on a shaft 62 suitably journaled in a bracket 63 depending from the tube 40. Upon shaft 62 is fixed a pinion 64 engaging with a gear segment 65 formed on one of the iris arms 50. When the angle of the projector with respect to the board 10 is varied, the iris arms 50 will be operated, segment 65 rotating-pinion 64 and in consequence gears 60 and 61 will be rotated, and the consequent rotation of tube 46 will move it axially and so vary the focus of lens 44, the gears 60 and 61 maintaining engagement during such axial movement by reason of the elongated construction of gear 61.

In order to enable theoperator to more readily direct the beam of light representing the ball in the proper directions and to the proper points on board 10 the bottom of the box 30 is marked as indicated generally at 66 in Fig. 9 to represent the playing field and the lower end of shaft 35 has hinged thereto a pointer 67 pressed downward on said playing field by a spring 68, while the shaft has fixed thereon a handwheel 69 adapted to be grasped by the operator in manipulating the projector. It will be understood that the parts will be so proportioned that movement of the pointer 67 along the bottom of box 30 will correspond to movement of the spot of light along the board 10.

The means for controlling the lamps 20 which serve the projectors on frame 14 is illustrated particularly in Figs. 10. 11 and 12. This means comprises a panel board which may be divided into three sections and provided with suitable switches controlling different set of the lamps 20.

The upper portion of the panel board hasthree main series of control switches for indicating respectively the movement of the men-on bases, and the infield and outfield of the opposing team. The first of these comprises two concentric circular rows of switch points, indicated respectively at 76 and 77 mounted on said board. Adjacent the outer row 76 a switch ring 78 is rotatably mounted and carries a series of four evenly spaced contact arms 79 which are adapted to project over the points 76. These arms are preferably adjustable radially on the ring 78 so as to be moved into and out of engagement with the points 76, the arms being here shown as secured to the ring by on boar means of wing-headed screws 80 threaded into the ring 78 and passing through slots 82 in the arms 79. A suitable frictional hold is maintained on the arms 79 by means of bow springs such as 80' fixed to the arms 79, these springs being apertured to receive the screws 80. The arms 79 are adjusted by means of levers 79' hinged to the ring 78 and havm the outer ends of thearms connecte thereto. The projectors controlled by the switch points 76 and arms 79 are directed upon the base lines of the diamond 10 so that the movement around the bases of the players of the team at bat may be shown by propermanipulation of the ring 78. If one man is to be shown travelin on the bases only one of the arms 79 is le t in engagement with the switch points 76, the number of arms in engagement with the switch points corresponding to the number of men on bases, while the positions of the armsin use will be made to correspond with the positions of the men on bases.

The second of these main series comprises a number of radially arranged rows of switch points 82 at the ends of which are clrcumferentially ofi'set points 83. These are controlled by a radial arm- 84 slotted as at 85 to receive a longitudinally adjustable contactindicated generally at 86. The third of these comprises four concentric rows of switch points 89 one for each infield player, controlled by a switch arm: 90 slotted as at 91 to adjustably hold a contact indicated generally at 92: this arm being hinged as at 93 to permit of its being lifted from contact with the switch points 89.

In addition to the above main series of switches I provide a series of switch points 95 controlled by a hinged switch arm 96, the lamps in this circuit controlling projectors indicating the movements of the batters, either right or left hand. I provide also two rows of switch points 97 and- 98 controlled by hinged switch arms 99 and 100 adapted for operation when the movementsof the catcher are to be shown, the upper row being used to .indicate movements of the catcher in receiving or throwing a ball, and the lower row to show when the catcher walks up to consult with the pitcher. Also a series of switch points 101 controlled by a hinged arm 102 for showing the movements made by the umpires in declaring strikes or balls, the same arm being used to control a series of nine switch points 102' connected with projectors signaling which man is at bat. Also two rows of switch points 103 and 104 controlled by a single arm 105 are used in connection with showing the movement of the batter from the dugout to the plate and backagain. Projectors are also provided to show the movement of the coaches at first and third base, being controlled by the rows of switch points 106 and 107, and hinged switch arms 108 and 109. I also provide three series of switch points 110, controlled individually by arms 111 to show the'number of strikes or balls served to a batter and the number of men out. These signals together with the names and playing positions of the men I at bat may be thrownin a marked ofi' space on the board 10. Projectors showi the movements of the pitcher are controll by the concentric arcuate rows ofsswitch points 115 engagedbya hinged contact arm 116 slotted as at 117 to receive an adjustable contact member 118. I also provide acircularly arranged row of switch pomts 120;

- divided into four series and controlled by the switch arms 121 and 122, to indicate when a new pitcher is warmin tailed description of the manner of use of my improved apparatus in the playing of a game be given. It will be apparent that by moving shaft the SPOtOf light representing the ball can be. caused to move as desired on the board, 10, while by proper manipulation of the various switch arms pictures showing the actions of the players can be thrown improper sequence on the desired parts of said board.

Having thus described my invention what I claim as new and desire to protect by Letters Patent of the United States is as follows 1. In an apparatus of the type described, means for indicating the travel of a ball comprising a projector adapted to throw a beam of light upon a surface representing a playing field, a support for said pro ector, means for angularly adjusting said projector upon its support, and means operat-- mg in conjunction with said first means for varying the size of the spotlight aperture in the projector.

2. In an apparatus of the-type described,

means for indicating the travel of a ball comprising a projector adapted to throw a spot of light upon a surface representing a playing field and having an ll'lsihlOllgh which the light isprojected; a support for said projector, means for angularly adjusting said projector on its support, and means for automatically opening and contractin said iris upon angular movement of sai projector on its support. 4

3. In an apparatus of the type described, means for indicating the travel of a ball comprising a projector adapted to'throw a spot of light upon a surface representing a playing field, and having a four-armed 1r1s through which the light is projected, a support or said projector, means for angularly up and -when a pitcher is taken out an the new one sent in. i

It is not considered essential that a de-- adjusting the projector on its support, and devices adapted to engage the respective arms of said iris to automatically open or contract said iris upon angular movement of said projector on its support.

4. In an apparatus of the type described, means f 0r indicating the travel of a ball comprising a projector adapted to throw a spot of li ht upon a surface representin a playing old, and having a four-arme iris through which the light is projected, a support'for said, projector, means for angularly adjustm theprojector on its support,

and devices apted to engage the active arms of said iris to automatically g pen or contract said iris upon angular movement of said projector on its sup luding links having a 5 0t and pin engagement with the arms of the iris.

5. In an apparatus of the type described,

means f or indicating the travel of a ball comprising a projector adapted to throw'a rt, said means inspot of light upon a surface representing a playing field, and having a four-armed iris through WhlGh the dight is projected, a support for said projector, means for angularly adjusting the projector on its support, i

and devices adapted to engage the respective arms of said iris to automatically open or contract said iris upon angular movement of said projector on its support, said .means including links having a slot and pin engagement with the arms of the iris, said like being attached by a universaljoint to a fixed part. 6. In an ap aratus of the type described, means for in icating the travel of a ball comprising a projector adapted to. throw a spot of light upona surface representing a playing field, a support for said projector, means for angularly adjusting said projector upon its support, and means operating in conjunction with said first means for varying the focus of the'projector, said last means including a tube axially movable on said projector, a lens in said tube, and means for imparting axial movement to said tube.

7. In an apparatus of the type described, means for indicating the travel of a ball: comprising a projector adapted to throw a spot of light upon a surface representing a playing field, a support for said projector,

'means mamas a pla field, a support for said pro'ector,

or angular y adjusting sai projector upon said su port, and means for automatically adjustm the focus of the reflector and the size 0 the spot-light aperture when the projector is moved angularly on its support 9. In an ap aratus of the type described, means for in 'cating the travel of a ball comprising an arly adjustable proector having an ins through which a spot- 13% is projected, a lens 0 g tube axi g movable in the projector y rotation of sai tube, and means 'for automatically adusting said iris and said tube upon angular movement of said projector.

10. In an apparatus of the type described means f or indlcating tlie targvel 0g] a ball comprising an an ar justa e roect'or having an iri s iahrgugh which a spot- 1'. is rojected, a lens carrying tube axially mov le in the pro'ector by rotation of said tube, and means or'automatically adjusting said iris and said tube u n angular ll movement of said projector, sai means including a series of radial arms on the iris, I

abutment elements engaged thereby, a gear segment on one of said arms, and an opadjusting said iris and said tube upon angular movement of said projector, said means including a series of radial arms on the iris, abutment elements engaged thereby, a gear segment on one of said arms, and an operative connection between said gear segment and tube to rotate the latter, said operative connection including a gear'fixed to with said first gear.

.In tefiimony whereof have afixed my mgl-mure' GEORGE s. Conn-MAN.

said tube, and an elongated gear meshing A 

